When and why did they change the name?

Question

When and why did they change the name of The British Open, to just The Open? I'm assuming that what I am watching right now is the British Open, right? Since we already have the U.S. Open, what was wrong with just leaving it as The British Open?

Answer 1

I think you've got it backwards.  I suspect it originally was "The Open," because most likely it is older than the U.S. Open.  There was probably a time when it was the only "Open."  They're just reverting back to the original name.  

I will check this out to be sure, but I think this is the case.

Edit:  The 1st British Open was played in 1860; the first U.S. Open was in 1895.  It is only ever referred to as the "British Open" outside of the UK.

Answer 2

The official title is, and has always been,  "The Open Championship".

Answer 3

The name was never changed. Prior to TV coverage , the tournament was always known as the Open. Then our commentators called it the British Open and they stood corrected and everyone now calls is what it was always called simply, " The Open ". Remember one has to be politically correct  aand no one moreso than the British.

Answer 4

It is only referred to as the "British" open by Americans.  It is truely the "Open Championship".  They never changed the name.